In May 2012 there will be commemorated 2oo years since the Ottoman Empire ceded to Russia the eastern half of the eastern Principality of Moldavia that will became known as Bessarabia until the end of the Second World War, thereafter succeeded by the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova, territory known today as the Republic of Moldova. I wrote, some time ago, an article about how that important geopolitical event for this part of Europe, that became ever since a continuous source of national conflicts and tensions, is reflected in the historic cartography of the area. The research was based on old maps from my own collection, which I published in the Journal of the International Maps Collectors’ Society (Summer 2001, Issue no. 85). That article is accessible in the scribd.com interface bellow. It highlights the perennial status of south east Europe, reflected in the case of Bessarabia, as a playground of empires, a fact that also greatly influenced the character of the local architecture.
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I endeavour through this series of periodic articles to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural history and heritage.
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If you plan acquiring or selling a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in sourcing and transacting the property, specialist research, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 